The crowd at Armenia's Consulate General (photo by Avedis Sangigian)
BY GAREN YEGPARIAN
GLENDALE—Almost 250 people gathered outside the Los Angeles Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia to remember Vahe Avetyan on his fortieth day remembrance and express indignation at the system that allows such murders to take place.
Avetian’s sister attended and spoke, expressing her grief and demands for justice. In particular, she emphasized the indignity of having her family’s being jerked-around by law enforcement officials in Armenia as they sought access to documentation they’re legally entitled to receive..
Among the other speakers was a representative of veterans of Artsakh’s liberation war who were well represented at the gathering. They had come in uniform.
The approximately hour-long protest was a solemn event, with candles distributed half-way through, then cleaned up per Glendale police instructions not leave them and placards behind on the consulate’s wall, since that would become litter.
The calls for justice included holding Rouben Hayrapetyan, the owner of Harsnakar restaurant where the beatings of Avetyan and two colleagues took place. In particular, calls were made for action against him based on Armenia’s prohibition against “entrepreneurial activity” while serving in parliament.
Ongoing protests will be held at the same location on Sundays at 1 p.m.
